Perceptions of Mothers’ Work Choices

Abstract

When they become mothers, women must choose whether they will pursue a career or stay home, or choose to do both. This research looks at stay-at-home mothers and part-time working mothers to view their perceptions of the decision. It asked what factors influenced their decision and if they are happy with their choice. Quantitative surveys of 169 mothers across the United States provided insight into why women chose to stay home with their child/children full or part time and whether they felt they were better mothers by staying at home. In-depth qualitative interviews with three Midwestern mothers took place to see if the women were happy with their choices and to identify any benefits or drawbacks they felt from the choices they made. Results showed the major reason women stayed home was to be a better mother, childcare savings, their child preferred they stay home or their husband influenced their decision. Mothers were found to be happy with the decision, and the majority found few drawbacks, believing they were better mothers for choosing to stay home full or part time.